In radio address, president says economy is strong despite terrorist shock

''No terrorist will ever be able to decide our fate,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address.

Many economists now predict that the economic damage from the Sept. 11 attacks that destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and heavily damaged parts of the Pentagon will virtually guarantee a recession this year.

Bush said a united Congress and a determined people can face the future with confidence.

''They brought down a symbol of American prosperity but they could not touch its source,'' Bush said.

The president acknowledged, however, that the attack caused severe economic damage.

''The economy has had a shock,'' Bush said.

Bush's focus next week will remain on war planning, coalition-building, bolstering the nation's shaky economy and rallying Americans behind the war effort.

He meets early in the week with prime ministers of Canada and Japan. Aides say they're tentatively planning a presidential trip outside Washington for later in the week; it would be his first since Sept. 11. Early planning calls for Bush to discuss the economic consequences of the attacks, aides say.

More than 100,000 workers have been laid off in the airline industry, thousands more fear for their jobs, many companies are struggling to stay afloat and the tourist, hotel and restaurant industries are struggling.

Bush also noted that many Americans have seen the value of their stocks plummet. The wave of selling that hit Wall Street this week caused the Dow industrial index to register its biggest one-week point decline in history.

''Yet for all these challenges, the American economy is fundamentally strong,'' Bush said. ''We have the best-educated, most productive work force in the world. Our factories produce more goods, and a broader variety of goods, than any country in the world.''

Tax relief and action by the Federal Reserve Board to cut interest rates have bolstered economic prospects, Bush asserted, adding that energy prices have remained steady and are now lower than they were last spring.

He said members of Congress are working together to help the economy.

House minority leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri agreed, pledging his party's best efforts to provide economic relief in the aftermath of the attack and to mount an effective military campaign ''to bring our enemies to justice.''

''There is no room for partisanship here,'' Gephardt said as he delivered the Democratic radio address.

Bush said progress is already being made. He cited agreement by the administration and Congress to deliver emergency aid to airlines.

''This will help the airlines maintain short-term stability as they work toward long-term viability for the benefit of all the workers and companies that depend on air travel.''

Bush said the American traveler can also be assured that a tough new security program is being put in place at airports and on airplanes.

On the Net:

White House: